Neckwear fastening apparatus

ABSTRACT

An improved necktie apparatus that provides one or more benefits and advantages not previously offered by the prior art, including, but not limited to, the ability to quickly and easily fasten a tie with a well-formed knot, the ability to easily accomplish the look of various styles of knots, and the ability to provide for a decorative knot ornamentation separate from the necktie itself.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional claiming the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/903,550, filed on Nov. 13, 2013,and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/938,888, filed on Feb.12, 2014, which are all incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of neckwear, and, moreparticularly, to an improved apparatus for the fastening of neckwearthat incorporates a simulated knot.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Neckwear has been worn since ancient times for function, status, orstyle. Modern neckties have not evolved much since their introductionand still rely on the wearer's ability to properly tie a complicatedknot.

Previous attempts to address the difficulty, and hassle, of tying anecktie have been developed in the current state of the art. Many ofthese have recognized the problem of properly forming a knot andincorporate a fixed, or simulated, knot that is “built-in” to thenecktie. Others have attempted to address the issue by incorporating“knotting guides” of one form or another, usually through the use of arigid structure underneath the tie itself. Still others have attemptedto solve the issue through the employ of various complicated mechanisms.

Information relevant to attempts to address the problems found in thecurrent state of the art, as described above, can be found in U.S. Pat.Nos. 8,267,439, 6,920,642, 5,883,461, 5,584,075, 6,467,094, 3,999,222,D236859, and foreign patent document WO9614766.

It would, therefore, be desirable to have the ability to quickly andeasily fasten a tie with a well-formed knot, the ability to easilyaccomplish the look of various styles of knots, and the ability toprovide for decorative knot ornamentation separate from the necktieitself. Therefore, there currently exists a need in the industry for animproved apparatus for fastening neckwear with an integrated simulatedknot.

While certain aspects of conventional technologies have been discussedto facilitate disclosure of the invention, Applicants in no way disclaimthese technical aspects, and it is contemplated that the claimedinvention may encompass one or more of the conventional technicalaspects discussed herein.

In this specification where a document, act, or item of knowledge isreferred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not anadmission that the document, act, or item of knowledge or anycombination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, knownto the public, part of common general knowledge, or otherwiseconstitutes prior art under the applicable statutory provisions; or isknown to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which thisspecification is concerned.

SUMMARY

Certain embodiments of the present invention are directed to an improvednecktie apparatus that provides one or more benefits and advantages notpreviously offered by the prior art, including, but not limited to, theability to quickly and easily fasten a tie with a well-formed knot, theability to easily accomplish the look of various styles of knots, andthe ability to provide for a decorative knot ornamentation separate fromthe necktie itself.

In a first embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus comprisesa simulated knot wherein a necktie may be threaded through a first guideaperture and looped back into the apparatus through a second guideaperture whereby the distal ends of the necktie are then held in placeby fastening two opposing wings of the apparatus, capturing the necktieand forming a simulated knot.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus comprisesa simulated knot wherein a necktie portion is combined with a simulatedknot portion, thereby forming a kit wherein said necktie portion isconfigured so as to be of an appropriate length when used in conjunctionwith the simulated knot portion.

In a third embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus comprisesvarious simulated knot portions, thereby allowing for the user to choosedifferent knot styles depending upon the pattern and fastening scheme ofthe simulated knot portion.

In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus comprisesa necktie wherein said necktie is comprised of a length of material thatis wider than it is thick, where said length of material furthercomprises one or more buttonholes.

In a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in the form of a methodof using an embodiment of the apparatus described herein, the methodsteps comprise: selecting a simulated knot style; selecting a necktie;passing the narrow, or back, end of the necktie through a first guideportion; looping the threaded portion of the necktie back into theapparatus through a second guide portion; adjusting the length of thefront portion of the necktie as desired; and fastening the simulatedknot portion around the necktie, whereby the apparatus fastens thenecktie in place and simulates a well-formed knot. Other embodiments ofthe present method may include fastening of the narrow portion of thenecktie to one or more shirt buttons by inserting one or more shirtbuttons through one or more necktie buttonholes.

The present invention may address one or more of the problems anddeficiencies of the prior art discussed above. However, it iscontemplated that the invention may prove useful in addressing otherproblems and deficiencies in a number of technical areas. Therefore theclaimed invention should not necessarily be construed as limited toaddressing any of the particular problems or deficiencies discussedherein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows two states, open FIG. 1A and fastened FIG. 1B, of anapparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows multiple views of the simulated knot apparatus combinedwith a necktie in various states in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention, where FIG. 2A shows the front of the simulated knotapparatus in the open state with a necktie, FIG. 2B shows the back ofthe simulated knot apparatus in the closed state with a necktie, andFIG. 2C shows the front of the simulated knot apparatus in the closedstate with a necktie.

FIG. 3 shows multiple views depicting the method steps for using theapparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,where FIG. 3A shows a necktie and the apparatus in the open state; FIG.3B shows a necktie inserted through a portion of the apparatus; FIG. 3Cshows a necktie about to be inserted into a second portion of theapparatus; FIG. 3D shows a necktie inserted through the second portionof the apparatus; FIG. 3E shows the necktie inserted through theapparatus at a desired length; FIG. 3F shows the back of the apparatusin the closed state, with the necktie inserted; and FIG. 3G shows thefront of the apparatus in the closed state, with the necktie inserted.

FIG. 4 illustrates various options for the shape of the center panelportion of the apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 illustrates two states, open and closed, of the right and leftfastening portions of the apparatus in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 6 shows various views of the apparatus in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates various features of the necktie portion of theapparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows various views depicting the method steps for using theapparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,where: FIG. 8 a shows the fastening of a portion of the necktie to ashirt button using a mated button hole on the necktie which is above thekeeper loop; FIG. 8 b shows the passing of the back portion of thenecktie through the keeper loop on the back face of the front portion ofthe necktie; and FIG. 8 c and FIG. 8 d show the fastening of a portionof the necktie to a shirt button using a mated button hole on thenecktie which is below the keeper loop.

FIG. 9 shows a version of the component parts of an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 shows a simulated knot apparatus of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 shows a necktie apparatus of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the Summary above, in the Detailed Description of the Drawings below,and in the accompanying claims and drawings, reference is made toparticular features, including method steps, of the invention. It is tobe understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specificationincludes all possible combinations of such particular features. Forexample, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of aparticular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim,that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combinationwith and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodimentsof the invention, and in the invention generally.

The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used hereinto mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionallypresent. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”)components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A,B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but also one ormore other components.

Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or moredefined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order orsimultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), andthe method can include one or more other steps which are carried outbefore any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, orafter all the defined steps (except where the context excludes thatpossibility).

The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote thestart of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range havingan upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable beingdefined). For example “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “atmost” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a rangeending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lowerlimit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variablebeing defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “atmost 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. When, in this specification, arange is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a firstnumber)-(a second number),” this means a range whose lower limit is thefirst number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 25to 100 mm means a range whose lower limit is 25 mm, and whose upperlimit is 100 mm.

While the specification of any non-provisional patent applicationclaiming priority to this provisional patent application will concludewith claims defining the features of embodiments of the invention thatare regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be betterunderstood from a consideration of the following description inconjunction with the figures, in which like reference numerals arecarried forward.

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the present invention is in theform of an apparatus 100 for simulating the knot of a necktie, theapparatus comprising: a center panel 110 with a front face and a backface, and bounded by a top edge, a bottom edge, and at least a rightedge and left edge; a left guide 120 with an inner surface and an outersurface, attached to the top edge of the center panel and adjacent tothe left edge of the center panel, formed so as to have a substantiallycylindrical shape with a first rim and a distal second rim connected bythe inner and outer surface, wherein the first rim opens to the backface of the center panel; a right guide 130 with an inner surface and anouter surface, attached to the top edge of the center panel and adjacentto the right edge of the center panel, formed so as to have asubstantially cylindrical shape with a first rim and a distal second rimconnected by the inner and outer surface, wherein the first rim opens tothe back face of the center panel; a left fastening panel 140 with afront face and a back face attached to the left edge of the center paneladjacent to the bottom edge of the center panel; and a right fasteningpanel 150 with a front face and a back face attached to the right edgeof the center panel adjacent to the bottom edge of the center panel,wherein the right fastening panel and the left fastening panel each havea mating fastener means 160 half.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the mating fastener means 160may be selected from the group including, but not limited to, hook andloop fasteners, snaps, magnets, or buttons.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the left guide 120 andright guide 130 may further comprise embedded stiffening means such ascardboard, flexible plastic, or the like.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, either the left guide120, the right guide 130, or both the left and right guides 120 and 130may further comprise a clamp means by which the necktie 200 may be heldin place to keep the front of the necktie 200 at a desired length. Saidclamp means may be selected from the group including, but not limitedto, magnets, snaps, hinged members, or other clamping mechanisms.

Another embodiment of the present invention may comprise an apparatuswherein said apparatus comprises a center panel with a front face and aback face, and bounded by a top edge, a bottom edge, and at least aright edge and left edge; a left guide opening with an inner surface andan outer surface, said left guide coincident with the top edge of thecenter panel and adjacent to the left edge of the center panel, formedso as to have a substantially cylindrical shape with a first rim and adistal second rim connected by the inner and outer surface, wherein thefirst rim opens to the back face of the center panel; a right guideopening with an inner surface and an outer surface, said right guideopening coincident to the top edge of the center panel and adjacent tothe right edge of the center panel, formed so as to have a substantiallycylindrical shape with a first rim and a distal second rim connected bythe inner and outer surface, wherein the first rim opens to the backface of the center panel; a left fastening panel with a front face and aback face attached to the left edge of the center panel adjacent to thebottom edge of the center panel; and a right fastening panel with afront face and a back face attached to the right edge of the centerpanel adjacent to the bottom edge of the center panel, wherein the rightfastening panel and the left fastening panel each have a mating fastenermeans half. In this embodiment, it is contemplated that the left andright guide openings do not protrude substantially from the center panelas a different embodiment than apparatus 100, shown in FIG. 1, wheresaid apparatus 100 has a left guide 120 and a right guide 130 which doextend as protrusions from the center panel 110.

Embodiments of the present invention may further comprise a paddingmeans coincident with the center panel 110 back face, said padding meansmay be selected from the group including, but not limited to, open cellfoam, closed cell foam, batting, or other compressible material.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus maycomprise a kit as illustrated in FIG. 2, wherein said kit comprises asimulated knot apparatus 100 and a necktie 200. The necktie 200 portionof the apparatus may be any conventional necktie or, alternatively, maybe a specially configured necktie wherein said specially configurednecktie is comprised of a first end, a body with a front face and a backface, and a second end, said first end of a first width and said secondend of a second width where the body of the necktie extends from thefirst end width to the second end width. The said second end may furthercomprise an insert configured so as to provide a length of rigidity fromthe second end portion. The body of the necktie from the second end tothe midpoint of the length of the necktie may further comprise one ormore buttonholes. FIG. 2A shows the front of the simulated knotapparatus 100 in the open state with a necktie 200. FIG. 2B shows theback of the simulated knot apparatus 100 in the closed state with anecktie 200; and FIG. 2C shows the front of the simulated knot apparatus100 in the closed state with a necktie 200.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention may comprise a kitcontaining a plurality of simulated knot apparatuses, each configured tosimulate a different knot style.

Referring to FIG. 3, in an further embodiment of the present invention,in the form of a method of using an embodiment of the apparatusdescribed herein, the method steps comprise: selecting a simulated knotstyle; selecting a necktie; passing FIG. 3A the narrow, or back, end ofthe necktie through a first guide portion FIG. 3B; looping FIG. 3C thethreaded portion of the necktie back into the apparatus through a secondguide portion FIG. 3D; adjusting FIG. 3E the length of the front portionof the necktie as desired; and fastening FIG. 3F the simulated knotportion around the necktie, whereby the apparatus fastens the necktie inplace and simulates a well-formed knot FIG. 3G.

Referring to FIG. 7, an embodiment of the present invention is in theform of a necktie apparatus comprising a length of fabric, leather, orother textile with a front face, a back face, a first end, and a secondend. The apparatus further comprises a keeper loop mated to the backface at a location between the first end and the midpoint, and one ormore buttonholes extending through the front and back face along thelength of the apparatus between the midpoint and the second end.

Referring to FIG. 8, in a further embodiment of the present invention,in the form of a method of using an embodiment of the apparatusdescribed herein, the method steps comprise: fastening FIG. 8 a aportion of the necktie 200 to a shirt button using a mated button holeon the necktie which is above the keeper loop; passing FIG. 8 b the backportion of the necktie through the keeper loop on the back face of thefront portion of the necktie; and fastening FIGS. 8 c and 8 d a portionof the necktie to a shirt button using a mated button hole on thenecktie which is below the keeper loop, whereby the necktie apparatus isheld in place relative to the wearer's shirt.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, it is contemplated to be within the scopeof the present invention an embodiment of the apparatus where thenecktie portion does not loop around the neck of the wearer, but rather,is merely a length of necktie that attaches via a mechanical means, suchas, but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, to the simulated knotapparatus. In this type of embodiment, it is contemplated that thesimulated knot apparatus may be held in place around the neck of theuser via another means such as, but not limited to adjustable straps orchains, which themselves may be merely functional or decorative as apiece of jewelry. This strap means may attach to the simulated knotapparatus in many ways known in the art, such as, but not limited to,hooks, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or magnets.

In light of the foregoing description, it should be recognized thatembodiments in accordance with the present invention can be realized innumerous configurations contemplated to be within the scope and spiritof the claims. Additionally, the description above is intended by way ofexample only and is not intended to limit the present invention in anyway, except as set forth in the claims presented.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for simulating the knot of anecktie, the apparatus comprising: a center panel with a front face anda back face, and bounded by a top edge, a bottom edge, and at least aright edge and left edge; a left guide with an inner surface and anouter surface, attached to the top edge of the center panel and adjacentto the left edge of the center panel, formed so as to have asubstantially cylindrical shape with a first rim and a distal second rimconnected by the inner and outer surface, wherein the first rim opens tothe back face of the center panel; a right guide with an inner surfaceand an outer surface, attached to the top edge of the center panel andadjacent to the right edge of the center panel, formed so as to have asubstantially cylindrical shape with a first rim and a distal second rimconnected by the inner and outer surface, wherein the first rim opens tothe back face of the center panel; a left fastening panel with a frontface and a back face attached to the left edge of the center paneladjacent to the bottom edge of the center panel; and a right fasteningpanel with a front face and a back face attached to the right edge ofthe center panel adjacent to the bottom edge of the center panel,wherein the right fastening panel and the left fastening panel each havea mating fastener means half.
 2. A necktie apparatus comprising: alength of fabric, leather, or other textile with a front face, a backface, a first end, a second end and a midpoint between the first end andthe second end; a keeper loop mated to the back face at a locationbetween the first end and the midpoint; and a one or more buttonholesextending through the front and back face along the length of theapparatus between the midpoint and the second end.
 3. An apparatus inthe form of a neckwear kit, the neckwear kit comprising: a one or moreneckwear apparatus; and a one or more simulated knot apparatus, whereinsaid simulated knot apparatus is comprised of: a center panel with afront face and a back face, and bounded by a top edge, a bottom edge,and at least a right edge and left edge; a left guide with an innersurface and an outer surface, attached to the top edge of the centerpanel and adjacent to the left edge of the center panel, formed so as tohave a substantially cylindrical shape with a first rim and a distalsecond rim connected by the inner and outer surface, wherein the firstrim opens to the back face of the center panel; a right guide with aninner surface and an outer surface, attached to the top edge of thecenter panel and adjacent to the right edge of the center panel, formedso as to have a substantially cylindrical shape with a first rim and adistal second rim connected by the inner and outer surface, wherein thefirst rim opens to the back face of the center panel; a left fasteningpanel with a front face and a back face attached to the left edge of thecenter panel adjacent to the bottom edge of the center panel; and aright fastening panel with a front face and a back face attached to theright edge of the center panel adjacent to the bottom edge of the centerpanel, wherein the right fastening panel and the left fastening paneleach have a mating fastener means half.
 4. The neckwear apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein said neckwear apparatus is chosen from the group ofneckwear including conventional ties, scarves, or cords.
 5. The neckwearapparatus of claim 3, wherein said neckwear apparatus comprises: a bodyportion with a first end portion, a second end portion, a front face,and a back face, where said first end portion is of a first width andsaid second end portion is of a second width, where the body portion ofthe neckwear apparatus extends from the first end width to the secondend width.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, where the said second end mayfurther comprise an insert configured so as to provide a length ofrigidity from the second end portion.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherethe body portion of the apparatus from the second end portion to amidpoint between the first end portion and the second end portion mayfurther comprise one or more buttonholes.